Police in South Africa have arrested two men in connection with last month's massacre in a gay massage parlour in Cape Town, in which nine people were killed.

The man was questioned and following that he made a full confession before a magistrate

Etienne TerblanchePolice spokesman

A police spokesman, said the two men, aged 42 and 26, were arrested on Thursday.

Earlier reports linked the attack at the "Sizzlers" massage parlour to either gangsterism, drugs dealing or homophobia but the spokesman, Etienne Terblanche, said police now believed the motive was robbery.

Deputy Provincial Commissioner Mzwandile Petros said the arrests followed the issuing of identikits of the suspects, and the two men would appear in court next week.

'Horrific attack'

The 42-year-old man was arrested on Thursday morning and his alleged accomplice in the evening, Mr Terblanche said.

"The man was questioned and following that he made a full confession before a magistrate," he said.

Guns are often a feature in violent crime

The 20 January attack shocked South Africa's gay community.

Cape Town markets itself as a top holiday destination for gay tourists.

Six men were found dead by police in the residential house in the Sea Point district of Cape Town.

All the victims had been tied up and shot at close range. Their throats had also been slit.

Police described the scene as "horrific", saying there was "an incredible amount of blood about".

Three other men injured in the attack later died in hospital.

The only survivor is still placed under police protection programme in hospital.